The Backyard Sanctuary

Three sisters—Hannah, Rachel, and Zoey—sat in a tense circle. Their mother’s birthday was approaching, and they were determined to break their streak of failed gifts. Mrs. Miller was notoriously picky; she hated cash, but she also found fault with everything else. Two years ago, they bought her a high-tech coffee maker she called "too loud," and last year, a luxury spa day she claimed was "a waste of time."

"We need to stay focused," Hannah said. "The contractor for the new garden patio just called. The stone she wanted is out of stock."

"I’m open to suggestions," Zoey sighed, "but we need to move fast. The installer is only available this Thursday."

"I’m leaning towards the local slate," Rachel suggested. "It's durable and elegant. What do you say?"

Hannah shook her head. "I have to push back on the slate. It’s too dark. Mom wants the garden to be a place where she can take her for a walk—I mean, where she can go for a stroll with her dog in the mornings."

"Wait, hear me out," Zoey interrupted. "Slate is better because of the winter. We can tell her it won't be ruined by road salt. She'll appreciate the practicality."

"I’m not so sure about that," Hannah countered. "She’ll think we’re just offering a cheap remedy because we failed to get the marble she wanted. To her, anything that isn't perfect feels like a placebo for a real gift."

"I’m fairly confident that if we explain the safety benefits, she’ll agree," Rachel insisted. "I’m really sold on the slate idea. How does that sound, everyone?"

"It sounds like a plan," Hannah finally agreed. "Let's settle on the slate. Let’s lock it in."

On her birthday, Mrs. Miller stepped onto the new patio. She looked at the slate, then at the sisters. "Well," she remarked, "at least it’s not slippery, and it looks like it can handle the winter. This is... acceptable." The sisters exhaled in relief. They had finally survived.